Friday, March 11, 2011

Extraction of Precious Metals and Stones in Deep Sea

Central Government has taken note of huge reserves of precious metals and stones in deep sea. Geological Survey of India has mandate to conduct mapping and regional exploration in Territorial Waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Indian Coast. Geoscientific investigations of the deep sea beyond EEZ are carried out in few selected parts by Ministry of Earth Sciences and National Institute of Oceanography.

Detailed mineral exploration and geological data is required within territorial waters before taking up mining operations. Therefore, 63 potential blocks with bounding co-ordinates, especially for heavy minerals sand falling in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal were identified and prioritized by GSI for further detailed exploration.

Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines has issued a notification dated 7th June, 2010 inviting applications for the grant of Exploration Licence in the offshore areas of the country. 377 applications have been received in IBM which for grant of exploration licence.

Geological Survey of India (GSI) presently carries out systematic seabed mapping and mineral exploration of selected tracts within Territorial Waters and EEZ of India. GSI is initiating steps to undertake offshore survey for strategic studies of seabed morphology; geochemical scan for thermogenic hydrocarbons, high resolution survey in potential areas of gas hyderates accumulation in Mahanadi Basin and Krishna Godavari Basin through acquisition of the new Ocean Going Vessel

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Mines, Shri Dinsha Patel in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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